Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued guidance to educational institutions in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision on race-conscious admissions policies. This guidance, part of a multistate coalition effort, addresses concerns raised by the U.S. Department of Education's Dear Colleague letter, which targets diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility policies in schools.

Attorney General Bonta stated that promoting diverse perspectives in educational settings fosters learning and growth. "By bringing diverse perspectives to their campuses, schools foster a culture of learning, debate, and growth that benefits their students for the rest of their lives," he said. He emphasized that all individuals deserve equal access to public education regardless of various personal attributes.

The guidance advises educational institutions to continue supporting diversity across multiple dimensions such as geography, socioeconomic status, race, sexual orientation, and gender identity. It clarifies that the Dear Colleague letter does not alter existing laws or legal principles that encourage schools to promote educational opportunities for all backgrounds.

According to the Supreme Court's decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, it is lawful for schools to consider race in operations and programming or implement race-neutral policies aimed at increasing diversity. The President cannot change established legal precedent through executive orders or letters like the Dear Colleague letter.

Previously, Attorney General Bonta provided guidance on diversity policies for businesses and organizations and responded to federal actions targeting transgender and nonbinary students by affirming state protections against discrimination.

Attorney General Bonta collaborates with attorneys general from several states including Massachusetts, New York, Illinois among others in issuing this guidance.